THE 



MEMORIAL 



OF 



THE PROPRIETORS 



OF THE 



MEW SOUTH MEETING-HOUSE IN DORCHESTER 



TO THE 



MINISTERS OF THE BOSTON ASSOCIATION. 



TOGETHER WITH THEIR REPORT ON THE SAME. 



BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY WATSON & BANGS, No. 7, State-Street, 

1813. 



A MEMORIAL. 



AS your memorialists are about to form a third reli- 
gious society in the town of Dorchester, having erected 
a house for the public worship of God ; and being de- 
sirous, in all our religious concerns, to conform to the 
? eneral usage and customs of congregational societies, 
and especially to the long established usage and customs 
of the original society in this town, and those more par- 
ticularly connected with it ; 

We would, therefore, solicit your advice, direction 
and assistance, in every thing relating to the regular es- 
tablishment of a third Church and religious Society in 
this place. And as we deem it necessary on all similar 
occasions, we wish to make known to your Association 
the reasons and motives by which we have been influen- 
ced. More especially as, in our case, the reasons origi- 
nated in a most unhappy and long continued controver- 
sy with the pastor of the second church and society. 

And though this controversy terminated in our sepa- 
ration from the Rev. Mr. Codman, by the mutual con- 
sent of all the parties concerned, and peace is again re- 
stored among us ; and though we could wish, on every 
account, that this unfortunate contest might be forgotten ; 
yet, since many insinuations, and direct accusations, 
highly injurious to our characters, both as men and 
Christians, have been published and circulated in various 
ways, we deem it indispensably necessary to attempt a 



4 



removal of the stigma thus inflicted, before we presume 
to recommend ourselves again to the notice of Christian 
societies ; and not to acknowledge, by our silence, that 
we deserve the character, that has so frequently been be- 
stowed upon us. 

This we do the more cheerfully attempt, because we 
feel the strongest confidence, that our conduct in this af- 
fair has been, generally, consistent with what were "the 
sentiments, wishes, and requests,**'' not only of ourselves, 
but of those who now vindicate the conduct of the Rev. 
Mr. Codman, at the time when we formed the society of 
which he is the pastor, and at the time of his ordination. 
We say our conduct generally, because we are far from 
thinking it impossible, that individuals among us may 
have committed some errors and imprudences. For it 
would naturally be expected, that in an affair of this kind, 
much party feeling must be excited ; and that many 
things would be said and done, by individuals, on both 
sides, which they, in their more cool and tranquil mo- 
ments, would condemn, and which the deliberate judg- 
ment of no one could approve. The idea we wish here 
to convey is, that the principles, for which we have uni- 
tedlv and uniformly been contending, were unanimously 
considered essential in the estabhshment of the second 
society. 

Whatever may be the opinion of those who have 
been witnesses to this unhappy affair, and espe- 
cially of those who have been near spectators of it, we 
can, with the most perfect sincerity, assure your associa- 
tion, that it has never been our intention to violate ecclesi- 
astical and religious order, nor to deviate, in any way, 
from the principles on which the second society was 
founded. But on the contrary, it has invariably been 
our desire, and our sole object, through the whole of the 
contest, to continue and promote that "harmony and 
friendly intercourse, which have, for many years, subsis- 
ted among the churches in this neighborhood, as xvell as 
among their respective pastors^' 9 And should your Asso- 
ciation be pleased to grant us your assistance, as to the 

*See2fotet t See Note 4. 



object of this memorial, we do furthermore assure you, 
that we "will not be wanting in our disposition and en- 
deavors, that peace and friendship may continue and 
abound.'* 

As the merits of the principal question, in our dispute 
with the Rev. Mr. Codman, depend very much upon 
the previous transactions of his society ; and as, in our 
opinion, it is necessary for "all who wish to obtain cor- 
rect information on the subject,'' to have a knowledge of 
all the important events and attendant circumstances, 
which materially affect it, as well those which took 
place before our acquaintance with the Rev Mr. Cod- 
man, as those "relating to the agreement made with him 
previous to his ordination, and the proceedings which 
have since taken place we shall, therefore, refer for 
the truth of some of our statements, to the printed doc- 
uments, relating to the establishment of the second 
church and society. 

Those documents, together with the collection of pa- 
pers published by Mr. Codman's church, immediately 
before the sitting of the second council, we shall make 
the basis of our defence. By these means, we hope to 
give a clear and impartial statement of facts, and to pre- 
sent a regular and connected view of the whole subject. 

As it respects the history of the second society, pre- 
vious to its acquaintance with the Rev. Mr. Codman, it 
is abundantly evident from the most respectable author- 
ities, that its establishment originated m, no dislike to the 
former minister, nor any dissention among the members 
of the original society. Those who formed the new so- 
ciety always expressed the most perfect satisfaction with 
every part of the Rev. Mr. Harris' ministerial conduct, 
and the deepest regret at separating from him, and their 
friends of his society. \ The measure was absolutely ne- 
cessary from the increased population of the town, and 
the remoteness of many of the inhabitants from the place 
of worship. All its religious concerns were managed 
with "wonderful zeal, unanimity and success'^ — with 
the most commendable "decency and propriety, order 

* Collection of papers, page 2, t See Notes 1 & 2. * See Note 



and charity."* Through the whole transactions of buil- 
ding a second meeting-house, "of gathering a new church 
and forming a second society and of settling a minister ; 
(either of which circumstances separately has often been 
the subject of the most serious difficulties, the source of 
incalculable mischief in religious communities,) "a Chris- 
tian spirit of love and harmony was evinced, ^ 

Till after the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Codman, no 
more disagreement seemed to exist, than if there had 
been but one mind to plan, but one will to direct, and 
one hand to execute. But a few months after his ordi- 
nation, an increasing "uneasiness and dissatisfaction'" ex- 
isted, which threatened the destruction of that once peace- 
ful and happy community ; the alleged cause of which 
was, that "he had not generally and indiscriminately made 
his exchanges, with those ministers, who preach the pub- 
lic lectures in Boston, on Thursdays and compose the 
Boston Association, of which he was a member, from whom 
he received ordination ; and with whose societies his 
society was in the strictest harmony and fellowship. 

That the Rev. Mr. Codman instituted a new mode of 
ministerial conduct respecting exchanges, is universally 
admitted. The only plea, that he and his friends have 
ever made, is, "that such conduct was to be expected, 
from his communication previous to his ordination." 
This, then, is the principal cause of complaint. Others, 
it is true, have since arisen ; but it is very evident, from 
the whole history of the controversy, that the primary 
cause of complaint is that respecting his ministerial ex- 
changes. 

The grand question in dispute, therefore , and the 
point' on which all our reasonings upon this subject 
must be made to bear, is, 

Whether those who were dissatisfied with 
the Rev. Mr. Codman, had any, and if any, 
w hat reasons, previous to his being settled 

AS THEIR MINISTER, TO EXPECT FROM HIM A DIF- 
FERENT MODE OF MINISTERIAL CONDUCT, RESPECT 
ING EXCHANGES, FROM WHAT HE ADOPTED ANP 

PURSUED. 

* See Note*. f See Note 5, ± See Note IU 



7 



There are two sources, from which they might, more 
especially, derive reasons to expect a different conduct. 

1. The customs and usage of the parish, or the way, 
in which they had always been accustomed to have that 
part of ministerial duty performed, might be such as to 
lead them to expect, as a matter of course, that he would 
comply with such customs and usage, and not institute 
a different system. 

2. They might be led to expect it from his previous 
intimations, and the terms of the contract. 

I. With regard to the mode of ministerial exchan- 
ges, to which those composing the second parish in 
Dorchester had been accustomed, it is a fact which 
cannot be disputed, that they had been accustomed to 
hear, 'generally and indiscriminately those ministers who 
compose the Boston Association, and preach the public 
lectures on Thursdays.* That is, the Rev. Mr. Harris, 
having been, for many years, a member of that Associa^ 
tion, has commonly made his exchanges with them, 
without any particular regard to "the distinctions of sect 
and party" If we go farther, we find that the practice 
of his predecessors, in this respect, was similar to his, 
so far back at least, as the knowledge of the present 
generation extends. It appears also, from the original 
communication of the proprietors of the second meeting, 
house, to the town, and . also from the farewell address 
of the second church to the first, that the second church 
and society unanimously and perfectly approved of every 
part of the Rev. Mr. Harris' ministerial conduct.* It 
is furthermore evident from the proceedings of the second 
society, after their separation, that it was their unanimous 
wish to have ministerial duties performed among them, 
precisely in the manner to which they had been accus- 
tomed when under the care of the Rev. Mr, Harris. For 
the church invited him, with four other clergymen, as 
nearly connected as any with him and his society, and 
all of them members of the Boston Association, to com- 
pose a council to recognize and declare them a regular 
church.f Let it also be particularly observed, that the 

* See Note 1 fc 2> t See Note 6, 



8 



second church, on that occasion, most sacredly pledged 
themselves to the council, to maintain communion with 
them, and the churches they represented, "in all those 
ways in which distinct churches may have useful inter- 
course and fellowship with one another ;" and likewise to 
endeavor to continue "the harmony and friendly inter- 
course that had subsisted for many years among the 
churches in the neighborhood, and among their respec- 
tive pastors."* And finally, though the Rev. Mr. Cod- 
man had a voice with his church in the selection of the 
council for his ordination, nine of them, out of twelve, 
were members of the Boston Association.! 

Consenting to take the charge of a society under these 
circumstances, it would naturally be expected, that the 
Rev. Mr. Codman would conform to their customs and 
usage ; and he would have great reason to expect com- 
plaints if he deviated, in any considerable degree, from 
them. 

But if, previous to his ordination, he gave the society 
any reason to suppose he intended to institute a new 
system of ministerial conduct, and they assented to it, 
all reasoning from this source, and indeed from every 
other source, to prove the claims of those who were dis- 
satisfied with him, will be of no avail. 

This he contends he did. It is repeatedly argued in 
his defence, that he "gave the church and society a full 
and particular statement of his views and belief respect- 
ing the doctrines of the gospel, previous to his accept- 
ance of their call to be their minister % that he "did 
not return an affirmative answer to their request till after 
& full and explicit communication of his religious senti- 
ments that "his church were acquainted with his sen- 
timents before his ordination ;||" that "before his settle- 
ment, he stated most fairly and distinctly, the doctrines 
which he intended to preach, and the manner in which 
he intended to discharge his ministerial duty," and that 
his society "knew what to expect from him in this im- 
portant concern."^ This he says he did, "to prevent fu- 
ture difficulties, or any misunderstanding between them," 

* See Note 4. f See Note 7. + Collection of papers, page 49. § Ibidem, p. 7C t 
/f Ibidem p . 79 . 1f Ibidem, 116. 



9 



He complains most severely that he should experience 
any difficulty "on account of any line of conduct which 
he conceived to be consistent with those sentiments."* 

Here we would again observe, that this is the only plea, 
that either Mr. Codman, or his friends, have ever offered, 
to justify his conduct respecting exchanges. 

They have never pretended, that he gave the least in- 
timation of his intention to introduce innovations, in any 
branch of ministerial duty, except what is contained in 
the declaration of his sentiments. 

Now if we can make it appear, that his declaration was 
not sufficient to convince the society of his intention, the 
question will be at rest. 

We will, therefore, analyze and examine his declara- 
tion. It has been called '•'full and explicit" "full and 
particular ;** the doctrines he intended to preach are 
said to be "stated most fairly and distinctly" 

In the first place, Mr. Codman says, he thinks it his 
duty to declare his "firm, unshaken faith in those 
doctrines, that are sometimes called the doctrines of the 
reformation, — the doctrines of the cross, — the peculiar 
doctrines of the gospel. "f Instead of being "particu- 
lar" "explicit" or "distinct" we can scarcely conceive of 
any thing more general. What kind of a protestant 
must he be, who does not believe in the doctrines of the 
reformation ? And under what denomination of chris- 
tians must he be ranked who does not hope to live and 
die in the faith of the "doctrines of the cross, — the pe- 
culiar doctrines of the gospel ?" 

He next tells us that he "believes his faith is the same 
with that of our venerable forefathers," and designates 
by name four of the former ministers of Dorchester. 
With regard to our forefathers, we never understood that 
they precisely agreed in their religious faith ; and as to 
those of them who were ministers of Dorchester, though 
we never knew exactly what were the distinct articles of 
their faith, yet we believe, for we have always understood 
it concerning them, that their conduct was very different 
from what Mr. Codman has adopted among us. Next 

* Collection cf papers, page 49. f See Note 8. 



10 



we are told, that "Arian and Socinian errors had, of late 
years, crept into some of our churches," but he points 
out no particular churches, and that "he believes the 
Father, Son and Holy Ghost to be the one living and 
true God;" and finishes his declaration by saying, that 
his "faith, in general, is conformable to the Assembly's 
Catechism, and to the confession of faith drawn up by 
the elders and messengers of the congregational churches 
in the year 1680, and recommended to the churches by 
the General Court of Massachusetts." 

General expressions, it must be confessed, are often very 
convenient, but one would hardly expect to find so many 
of them in a communication, that professed to be partic- 
ular, and on a subject of such importance. Who could 
possibly tell, from his language, how many, and what 
particular doctrines of "the Assembly's Catechism, or 
the confession of the congregational churches" Mr. Cod- 
man believed and intended to preach ? 

After having it rung through Christendom, that he had 
made the most open, fair, explicit, fullmd particular state- 
ment of the doctrines he intended to preach, is it not a 
little surprising, that we find, in his whole communica- 
tion, but one doctrine particularly specified, viz. that 
of the Trinity, as distinguished from Arianism and So- 
cinianism ? and that out of the multitude of different ex- 
planations of this doctrine by individual christians, and 
the many various ways in which it has, at different times, 
been decided by the authority of councils, he has not 
told us, in his communication, so much as which he be- 
lieves to be correct ? 

But if his statement had been ever so "full and par- 
ticular," if he had distinctly specified the doctrines he 
intended to preach ; if he had precisely explained what 
he meant by "the doctrines of the reformation — the doc- 
trines of the cross, the peculiar doctrines of the gospel ;" 
if he had told us positively that his faith was "the same 
as that of our forefathers" — and had informed us exactly 
what were the particular articles of their creed— if he had 
pointed out which explanation of the doctrine of the 
Trinity he preferred, and in which of the venerable coun- 



li 



cils he reposed most confidence if, in short, he had 
particularly informed us, to which of the doctrines of the 
"catechism, and of the confession of the congregational 
churches" his faith was peculiarly conformable — and if 
he had made known to his society all that he made 
known to the council that ordained him — even if he had 
done all this, his society could not possibly have conclu- 
ded, from this alone, what would be his conduct respec- 
ting exchanges. 

For the people of Dorchester, as the Rev. Mr. Harris 
very justly and seasonably informed him, in his right 
hand of fellowship, had never advocated the modern dis- 
tinctions of sect and party.' ? * 

They knew that "a difference in opinion had always ex- 
isted among them, respecting some parts of the Holy 
Scriptures," and of this they informed him previous to 
his accepting their calif Yet this difference had never 
produced the least difficulty among them ; they had al- 
ways allowed to one another the liberty of judging for 
themselves, and they were perfectly willing that their 
pastor should share with them in this liberty. 

They also knew that the same difference of opinion 
existed among the neighboring ministers, without pro- 
ducing any obstruction to ministerial and christian inter- 
course ; for at the time of Mr. Codman's ordination, 
we could have pointed out no less than seven clergymen 
in the vicinity, who were supposed to hold, and most of 
whom we knew professed the same sentiments as Mr. 
Codman, who, notwithstanding all this, had regularly been 
in the habit of exchanging with that part of the Boston 
Association, which were known to be of sentiments dif- 
ferent from their own, with those very individuals of the 
Association, with whom we have been more particularly 
desirous to have Mr. Codman exchange, and with others 
of the same description in different Associations. 

What possible reason then, we ask, and we would re- 
peat it, could his society have, from the mere declara- 
tion of the sentiments he intended to preach, to suppose 
he designed to institute a different mode of exchanging, 



*See Note 5, 



j See Nole 9- 



is 



from what they had ever been accustomed to, and from 
what any clergyman in the vicinity of like sentiments 
with him had ever practised ? 

2. Let us now see, whether by his previous intimations, 
and by the final stipulations of the contract, Mr. Cod- 
man gave his society any reasons to expect from him a 
different mode of exchanges, from what he adopted and 
pursued. 

Mr. Codman, it appears, previous to his ordination, 
made known to several individuals of his society, his in- 
tention of joining the Boston Association, which he af- 
terwards did, and of being "on the most intimate terms 
of friendship with them ;'•'* this, it also appears, remov- 
ed the doubts of some few individuals in the parish, who 
had taken a litde alarm at his communication. He also 
consented to receive ordination from this Association. 
And we would ask the candid and impartial, whether it 
is not an obvious and great inconsistency for a clergy- 
man to receive ordination from, and become a member 
of an Association, with the most of whom he never af- 
terwards intends to hold ministerial intercourse ? 

How can these circumstances be reconciled with his 
subsequent conduct ? he consents to be consecrated and 
set apart to the work of the ministry, by men, whom a 
few months afterward, he constantly and perse veringly 
affirms, he "cannot, in conscience, permit to preach in 
his pulpit.'' He does not even pretend, that the senti- 
ments or the characters of those men have, in the slight- 
est degree, altered during that time. How then must 
we account for such singular and unheard of conduct ? 
Has a new and strong light at once burst in upon his 
mind, and produced such a vast difference between his 
conscience, and the conscience of every one beside him ? 
or has he availed himself of a mere stratagem, to get him- 
self settled over the society, and then come out and set 
them at defiance ? 

But Mr. Codman assures us in his defence against 
the articles of complaint, that he "made use of no arts 
to obtain the situation he fills."! 'And so far as relates 

* See Note 14. f Collection of papers, page 73. 



13 



to any of his conduct toward those ministers above allu- 
ded to, that he is as much at liberty to exchange with 
either of them the next Sabbath, if they were willing, 
and he could see it to be his duty, as he was the day he 
was ordained/* 

Is it then of little importance to say of one of his fath- 
ers or brethren in the ministry, even if it were only by 
way of opinion, that he "wondered how his people could 
put up with his preaching"! — of another, that "his 
preaching was once evangelical and salutary, but now it 
is far otherwise — of a third, that "he was an univer- 
salist" — of a urth, that "he forbore to preach his real 
sentiments, but preached smooth things, for fear of in- 
curring the displeasure of his people — and of a fifth, 
— that "to his peculiar sentiments must be imputed the 
want of vital religion among the youth in the seminary 
with which he is connected — and of numbers of them 
collectively, that "they were not apt to teach .-"—and 
in short, to speak of them constantly with the utmost con- 
tempt ? 

How a clergyman, who has repeatedly insinuated 
things of this kind, can have any claims to sincerity, or 
to a "natural frankness of disposition," while he says ? 
"I wish not to cast any reproach whatever on my breth- 
ren in the ministry, however they may differ from me in 
religious opinions," and meekly asks, "who am I that I 
should condemn my brethren ? to our own Master we 
stand or fall, and at his bar we must give an account of 
our opinions, as well as our conduct,'^ and "nothing 
can be farther from my feelings, than to speak disrespect- 
fully of my fathers and brethren in the ministry," is to 
us inexplicable. Although the Rev. Mr. Codman has 
frequently been known to insinuate things of similar iml 
port ; yet this is "no reproach on his brethren in the 
ministry — and nothing can be farther from his feelings 
than to speak disrespectfully of them ! Are not things 
of this kind, we would ask, directly calculated to dimin- 
ish the influence of those gentlemen in our society ? And 
would they not, unavoidably, be circulated, and get to 

* Collection of papers, page 7i. f See Note 15. ± Ibidem, p. 79. § Ibidem, p. 84, 



14 



the ears of the people under their immediate care, and 
thus diminish their influence and impair their usefulness 
in their own societies ? 

In short, are not insinuations of this kind, many of 
which, perhaps, might be so indefinite, that no one could 
tell the extent of their meaning, and which, therefore, 
might convey to others a much worse opinion of them, 
than the Rev. gentleman who offers them himself has, 
of a much more dangerous nature than open and direct 
criminations ? And do they not declare, in plain lan- 
guage "to his people, to their people, and indeed, to all 
people," that those clergymen ought not tc be heard, and 
prevent their being heard, so far as his influence ex- 
tends ? 

Mr. Codman, likewise, thinks it no inconsistency, to 
join the Association without intending to exchange, gen- 
erally, with its members. 

He says, he "well knew, previous to his becoming a 
member of it, that there was one or more in it, that did 
not exchange generally with the rest." But if all its mem- 
bers should proceed upon this principle, with what 
propriety could it be called an Association ? He even 
pretends to have joined it to convince them of his candor 
and liberality ; — "that although he differed from them 
In his views of religion, he could associate with them 
with pleasure, and manifest towards them that respect 
and esteem, which their characters as men of literature 
and science, and their office as ministers of the sanctuary 
demand."* 

What charitable construction can we possibly put up- 
on the conduct of a minister, who comes forward in the 
midst of his brethren with such appearances of respect, 
while he seems constantly endeavouring, when apart, by 
such insinuations as are stated above, to bring their min- 
isterial characters into disrepute ? In this very plea p£ Iris 
we find an insidious attack upon their ministerial char- 
acters. That Association, we presume, is properly and 
strictly, as to its object, a religious, not a scientific or 
literary society. To what purpose, then, was it to them. 



* Collection of papers, page 75, 



15 



or his society, that he could respect them as men of lit- 
erature and science, and their office as ministers of the 
sanctuary, while their characters as ministers of the sanc- 
tuary were such, in his opinion, that he could not, consci- 
entiously/, hold any ministerial intercourse with them ? 

What we have to say, respecting Mr. Codman's en- 
gagement in the contract, is intimately connected with 
what we have already said, respecting the declaration of 
his religious sentiments. These, he contends, he "was 
led to suppose, from the answer he received, were agree- 
able to his people ; and that de entertained the fond ex- 
pectation, that he should never afterwards experience any 
difficulty, on account of any line of conduct, which he 
conceived to be consistent with them."* A modest 
demand, truly, for an individual to make upon the in- 
dulgence of a whole society ! Mr. Codman, it appears, 
expected not only to be the sole judge of what was con- 
sistent with his sentiments ; but that his society must 
submit to it, whatever unnatural and unreasonable con- 
struction he might see fit to put upon the terms. If by 
saying that "he. was led to suppose, from the answer he 
received, that his sentiments were agreeable to his peo- 
ple," he means, that he supposed all or most of his peo- 
ple to entertain those sentiments, or that they conceded to 
him the liberty of pursuing "any line of conduct," which 
he might see fit to adopt, he could have paid but very 
little attention to that answer. They informed him, in 
the very first line of it, that there was "a difference in 
opinion among them ;"f and proceeded to observe, that 
such "various opinions, and discordant sentiments afford 
occasions for the exercise of a spirit of condescension, 
patience and toleration ; which spirit they wished to cul- 
tivate." And so far were they, at that time, from ex- 
pecting the line of conduct which he adopted and pursu- 
ed, that they assured him they "had no doubt but he 
would use his endeavours to promote peace and friendship 
among the people of his charge, and to continue and con- 
firm it among the sister churches and their pastors, and 
the university of which he would be an overseer." And 

* Collection of papers, page 49. f See Note 9, 



16 



let it be particularly observed, that this answer "was 
unanimously approved at a parish meeting,'* and conse- 
quently expresses what were, at that time, the wishes, 
views and expectations, both of the church and society, 
respecting the future conduct of their minister. If it 
was disagreeable to him, or inconsistent with his senti- 
ments, this was the proper occasion for him to make it 
known. 

But, so far was he from objecting to their proposals, 
that he assured them, in his answer to his call, that " the 
promotion of that peace which is founded on true 
Christian principle, and not on carnal security, and of 
that unanimity, which is the effect of the general recep- 
tion of evangelical truth, and not of indifference to religious 
opinions, should be the subject of his prayers, and the 
object of his life." That it would be his "earnest en- 
deavour, as far as consistent -with the faithful discharge 
of ministerial duty, to promote peace and friendship a- 
mong the people of his charge, to do all in his power to con- 
tinue and confirm it among the sister churches and their 
pastors, and to promote the best interest of the univer- 
sity." 

What more than this could the society wish or expect? 
They never desired Mr. Codman to promote peace and 
unanimity among them, or their sister churches, on any 
other conditions, than he here assented to. They never 
wished him to do any thing inconsistent with the most 
"faithful discharge of ministerial duty.'' It cannot, with 
the least shadow of reason be pretended, that he was ig- 
norant of the wishes and expectations of his people re- 
specting his exchanges, at the time of his ordination. 
And if he was indeed, as he pretends, so anxious, at that 
time, " to prevent future difficulties''' in that respect, it 
would have been quite as easy for him to declare pre- 
cisely, and in so many words, the line of conduct he 
meant to pursue, as to make a declaration of his belief 
in certain religious opinions, which he well knew, from 
previous circumstances, as well as from their answer to 
bis communication, they had not been accustomed to 



17 



contend about, and which they did not wish to make the 
subject of contention. Would it not have been much 
more consistent with that "natural frankness of disposi- 
tion, and the unreserved communication of thoughts and 
feelings,''* which Mr. Codman informs us, in his de- 
fence, are conspicuous traits in his character, to have 
told his people beforehand, what he constantly made for 
excuse against their after complaints "that the differ- 
ence in sentiment was so great, between him and the 
pastors of their neighbouring churches, that he could 
not, consistently with the dictates of his conscience, ex- 
change with them, while that difference continued ?."f 
If he had sentiments of ministerial duty so entirely dif- 
ferent from his society, and from those which all his 
ministerial brethren in the vicinity, even those of his 
own theological sentiments entertained ; was he not 
bound by every principle of honesty and sincerity, of 
honor and religion, to make a full disclosure of his inten- 
tions ? Who could have supposed it c 'consistent with 
the faithful discharge of ministerial duty?* and the pro- 
per way " to promote unanimity and friendship " for a 
minister to refuse to admit into his pulpit almost every 
one of his brethren, with whom his people were ac- 
quainted ; and what is more, to make it his constant 
endeavour to render those clergymen unpopular in his 
society, by illiberal insinuations and surmisings ? And 
so far from trying to promote the interests of the univer- 
sity, to represent even its "atmosphere as infected, by 
the corrupt principles of its officers and to do all in 
his power, to prevent young men, with whom he had 
any influence, from pursuing their studies there ? Is this, 
in the name of reason, of common sense, we would ask, 
the right way to correct errors, if any existed, either in 
his own, or the neighbouring societies, or at the univer- 
sity ? Is this the character of a faithful and affectionate 
pastor ; — of a wise, judicious, upright, intelligent and 
pious reformer ? Let the wise, judicious, upright, in- 
telligent and pious be the judges. 

* Collection of papers, page 73. f s « e Not « H< 



3 



18 



But Mr. Codman, it seems, does not think that his 
conduct respecting exchanges is calculated to interrupt 
the fellowship of his church, with the neighbouring 
churches.* 

Let us then consult the opinion of one, universally al- 
lowed to be among the most judicious, intelligent, pious 
and truly liberal and charitable divines, which our own 
country, or even the world, can produce, upon this 
identical question. 

What we now refer to is the answer of the venerable 
Dr. Lathrop of Springfield, to a recommendation of the 
general association of Connecticut, that their brethren in 
the ministry "hold no communion, and firm no ex- 
changes in ministerial duties, with preachers who openly 
deny the divinity and personality of our Lord and Sa- 
viour Jesus Christ" 

"The sentiment here condemned," says Dr. Lathrop, 
"is allowed to be a dangerous error." But the rules he 
proposes are,— 1. That one minister must have "a per- 
sonal knowledge" that another does openly deny a par- 
ticular doctrine, before he adopts the above recommen- 
dation. 2. If he has such knowledge, he cannot be 
"justified in reporting it, without instituting a regular 
process.' ' To pass the accusation from one to another, 
by report, he considers a slander. 3. And he refers to 
the injunction of an apostle, to show, that "after a 
brother is convicted of heresy, and even condemned by 
an avowal of it, there ought to be a first and second ad- 
monition to recover him, before we proceed to reject 
him.' 5 4. "If we refuse to hold communion with a 
brother for supposed heresy or immorality, we ought to 
aim at the public good, and openly declare the reason 
of our conduct, for a warning to others, that no people 
may hear him, and no ministers have fellowship with 
him." "If we will not exchange with such a minister, 
it must be because we think he ought not to be treated 
as a minister, neither allowed to preach, nor heard if he 
does preach." " If we thus openly reject a minister, do 
we not assume an authority to depose him from office. 



* Collection of papers, page 79. 



19 



and to depose him in a summary way without a trial V 9 
"By this act we tell our own people, we tell his people, 
we tell all people, that they ought not to attend on his 
ministry." For if he is not a fit person for our people 
to hear, he is not a fit person for any people to hear." 
"Our act, therefore, must be a real deposition, as far as 
our influence can extend ; and we mean, if we mean any 
thing, that our influence shall extend as far as possible." 
"On this ground will any minister be safe?" "For let it 
be reported that a minister is a Socinian, or an Arian, 
or lewd, or intemperate, some will believe it, — it gets into 
circulation — we refuse to exchange with him on account 
of it, and thus give it the sanction of our credence and 
influence, thereby practically and verbally telling his peo- 
ple, that they ought not to hear him any more. In com- 
pliance with our advice and example, they withdraw 
from his ministry. Thus the good man is, ipso facto, 
deposed without a trial." "This rule of conduct," he 
further argues, "will as well operate to the destruction 
of a good man, as the eviction of a bad man." And 
hence he concludes the rule to be "dangerous and de- 
testable." 

He thinks, moreover, c that a minister, who would 
not exchange with another on the ground above stated, 
would act inconsistently if he exchanged with those who 
did exchange with him, or if he had fellowship with the 
church, or any members of the church which retains 
him, since they may all be suspected.' "Will not," says 
he, "such a method of procedure throw churches into 
confusion, and interrupt all ministerial harmony?" Thus 
the Rev. Dr. Lathrop.— How far the case here descri- 
bed is parallel to Mr. Codman's, the facts must deter- 
mine. 

To this authority we beg leave to add that of Mr. 
Codman's particular friend and advocate, the Rev. Mr. 
Bates, who cannot be suspected of being actuated by 
any other motives, in this case, than a wish to declare 
his real sentiments upon the subject. He gives it as his 
decisive opinion, — that if a clergyman refuses to ex- 
change with a brother in the ministry, "till he is judged 



20 



and condemned by some regular ecclesiastical council, by 
the church with which he is connected, or some other 
proper tribunal," he publicly denounces that brother.* 

From all this it is evident, there is a regular way of 
proceeding against a clergyman who has forfeited his 
ministerial character. 

Now the Rev. Mr. Codman never informed us, that 
he had " personal knowledge" of any disqualifications in 
the Rev. Gentlemen, with whom we have been so desir- 
ous he should exchange ; nor do we know of his ever 
having attempted to institute a regular process against 
any of them, or to administer brotherly reproof or chris- 
tian admonition, on account of such disqualifications. 

This we never have had, nor have we now, any ob- 
jection to his doing. For we never have had the least 
wish that he should exchange with any one, who is not, 
deservedly, in good standing in the church. And if at 
tiny stage of our unhappy controversy, previous to our 
separation, he could have proved them to have forfeited, 
in any way, their ministerial and christian characters, we 
would most cheerfully have acquiesced in his not ex- 
changing with them. 

Thus we think it appears evident, that Mr. Codman's 
conduct has been unjustifiable, — inconsistent both with 
the spirit and the letter of his contract, — contrary to the 
unanimous wishes and expectations of his church and 
society at the time of his ordination, — aad directly cal- 
culated to destroy that "harmony and friendly inter- 
course, which had for so many years subsisted among the 
churches in the neighborhood of his, as well as among 
their respective pastors and which his church, at the 
time of its establishment, so sacredly pledged itself to 
endeavour to support. 

Presuming that we have justified ourselves, therefore, 
in opposing the conduct of the Rev. Mr. Codman, we 
next proceed to vindicate ourselves, with regard to the 
degree of our opposition, and the manner in which it has 
been conducted. For we have been accused of mani- 
festing 'unreasonable opposition, arid a spirit of persecu- 
tion against him, 9 It is to be noticed, in the first place ? 

* See Note 10. 



SI 



that no open complaint was made to Mr. Codman till 
more than eleven months after his ordination, and then, 
not till the requests, entreaties and remonstrances, o f 
many of those who continue with him, as well as those 
who have now left his society, were found ineffectual. 

An address was then presented to him, subscribed by 
40 of his parishioners, in which every precaution was 
used to avoid giving offence, or in any way hurting his 
feelings.* They assured him, it was "with diffidence 
they addressed him on a subject so important"— that 
they "presumed not, nor had a wish to prescribe what 
doctrines would be most congenial to their feelings to 
hear from him, but were willing he should exercise his 
own opinion. ,, They only made a formal statement of 
a dissatisfaction and uneasiness w 7 hich appeared to be 
daily increasing in his parish — they suggested what they 
apprehended to be the cause, and what they feared 
would be the consequence of it. Whether this cause 
was sufficient to justify the dissatisfaction and uneasiness 
which then existed in the parish, and the consequences 
that have since followed, we leave the candid and impar- 
tial to determine, from what we have said on the princi- 
pal question in the controversy. And from the letter 
accompanying the address it must be determined, whether 
there was the least disposition to compel him, or in any 
way to hurt his feelings. 

One would suppose, that an address of this kind, 
from so many of his parishioners, required an answer a 
little more definite and explicit, as to its principal object, 
than it received from him. His answer was, "I never 
can nor never shall pledge myself to exchange with any 
man or body of men whatever,''! Certainly no one 
ever wished him to pledge himself, or to be under any 
more restraint, in that respect, than the rest of his breth- 
ren. 

After about five months, no alteration having taken 
place respecting exchanges, the remonstrants wished to 
have the sense of the society taken upon the subject, 
and inserted an article for the purpose, in the warrant 



* See Note 11, 



t See Nete 12, 



23 



for the annual parish meeting. But so cautious was the 
society, lest such a measure should seem too much like 
compulsion, that the motion for requesting him to ex- 
change was lost, several who were anxious to obtain the 
object, having declined voting, for the reason above 
mentioned ; of which Mr. Codman was afterwards appris- 
ed by the individuals themselves. 

Things continued in the same state, he still persisting 
to refuse exchanging, on the principle that he could not 
consistently with the dictates of his conscience, when in 
October, six months after the former meeting, the mo- 
tion was again brought before the parish, and carried. 
A large committee was also appointed to communicate 
it to him, and obtain, if possible, a definite answer, 
whether he would or would not comply, and to report 
at an adjourned meeting. 

His former answer was repeated, that he "could not 
pledge himself to exchange with any man or body of 
men whatever.' - 

Their feelings at thai moment, may easily be imagi- 
ned. Conceiving the ground of their request to be of 
the highest importance to the future peace and prosper- 
ity of the society, as it was the fundamental principle on 
Which it was established, and being confident that his 
compliance would restore their former peace and har- 
mony — they therefore expressed their wish by vote, that 
"if the Rev. Mr. Codman's principles were such that 
he could not comply with their request, the connexion 
between them and him might become extinct." And 
as a last expedient to induce his compliance ; they ap- 
pointed a committee to write to those ministers with 
whom he had been in the habit of exchanging, and re- 
quest them "not to preach in his pulpit any more, until 
the difficulties, which threatened the parish with destruc- 
tion, were removed." 

This measure has been highly censured by some, and 
been thought to imply a charge against the ministerial 
characters of those to whom it was addressed. We 
would therefore say, and it is the greatest pleasure to us, 
that we can in sincerity say, that no such charge was 



23 

intended by it. In an answer of the Rev. Mr. Bates to 
that letter, he complains of "unchristian and uncivil 
treatment." He thinks himself "injured and aggriev- 
ed^ — he thinks it a "public denunciation" — an "unkind 
censure/' &c. We can only refer to that letter* to 
show how much it contains of what is here complained 
of. We would say, however, for the honor of those 
gentlemen, that so far were we from complaining of any 
of their ministerial conduct among us, that their services, 
almost without any exception, were always in the highest 
degree acceptable to our society. And we must also say, 
that we wefe not a little surprised, to find that measure, as 
it respected Mr. Codman, so highly disapproved by 
them ; since our sole object in it was, to obtain their influ- 
ence in inducing him to adopt a mode of exchanging, 
to which we knew almost every one of them was accus- 
tomed. More especially were we surprised at the com- 
plaints of the Rev. Mr. Bates, when we found that he 
so decidedly and totally condemned the conduct of Mr. 
Codman, in this identical answer to our letter. He even 
represented it as in the highest degree cruel,f for if it 
would be cruel in the Rev. Mr. Bates to deprive the 
people of his particular charge, of the occasional labours 
of Mr. Codman, a young man with whom they had but 
very little acquaintance, by refusing to exchange with 
him, in compliance with our request, and for the reason 
above named, was it not infinitely more cruel in the 
Rev. Mr. Codman, to deprive the people of his particu- 
lar charge, not of the occasional labours of one, or two, 
or three young men, but of the labours of almost every 
clergyman, with whom they had any acquaintance — men 
of long established reputation for wisdom and integrity, 
for piety and virtue — men under whose instructions they 
had been nurtured almost from their infancy — and some 
of whom originated among them, and whose near rela- 
tives and friends formed a considerable part of their sq- 
ciety, — and whose churches were in the strictest fellow- 
ship with his ? 



*See Note 13, 



f See Nate 10. 



2-1 

We were pleased to find a different opinion of our 
letter expressed by the Rev. Dr. Morse, who, though 
he considers it "extraordinary and unprecedented,' * 
does not think it implied any charge against him, but 
that the contrary rather is to be inferred — that it con- 
tains sentiments of respect for him, and the other gen- 
tlemen, to whom it was addressed. And that it was 
"extraordinary and unprecedented," will not seem sur- 
prising, when it is considered how "extraordinary and 
unprecedented" was the occasion that called it forth. 

This last expedient proving ineffectual, we have since 
had no other wish on the subject, than to have the con- 
nexion between us dissolved. Our next object there- 
fore was, to obtain a mutual council for this purpose. 
A council was accordingly assembled Oct. 30th, 1811, 
and the several articles of complaint that had then arisen 
were submitted to them. On theprincipal question, viz. 
that relating to exchanges, the council was equally 
divided. It may not be amiss here to observe, that 
this council did not convene till more than a year after 
the parish meeting which voted to request Mr. Codman 
to exchange with the members of the Boston Associa- 
tion. Yet notwithstanding his repeated assurances that 
he would "do every thing in his power, consistent with 
the dictates of his conscience, to restore the peace and har- 
mony of his society," no alteration took place, during 
that time, respecting exchanges, nor was any disposition 
manifested by him, to comply with the wishes of his 
society. 

As this council was unable to decide the question, 
which was the original cause of the controversy, another 
was proposed, which convened May 12th, 1812. 

The motion, that "In the opinion of this council, 
under existing circumstances, it is expedient that the 
ministerial and pastoral relation, between the Rev. Mr. 
Codman and the second parish in Dorchester, be dis- 
solved," was considered by them, and decided in the 
negative by the vote of the moderator, "on a full be- 
lief and strong persuasion that he would, from that time 



25 



forward, open a more free and liberal intercourse with 
his ministerial brethren." He added, 4 'if his future 
conduct should be the same as in time past, in this res- 
pect, I should be much disappointed and grieved." 
4 'And if I should find myself thus disappointed, I should 
certainly have no hesitancy in giving my vote for his dis- 
mission, if called in providence to give my voice on the 
question." At the end of six months, it did not appear 
to us that he had complied with the spirit and intention 
of this result. He had, indeed, enlarged the circle of his 
exchanges, but they did not appear to be made on "amore 
free and liberal" plan ; and most of those gentlemen, to 
exchange with whom we had, for more than three years, 
been constantly soliciting him, remained unnoticed. In 
short he did not appear to treat with more regard "either 
the wishes of his people, or the sensibilities of his minis- 
terial brethren." The "dissatisfaction and uneasiness^ 9 
still continued in the parish, nor were we able to deter- 
mine on what principles his exchanges were made, for 
he had not condescended to inform us ; but had even 
refused a conference on the subject, with a committee 
of the aggrieved brethren of the church. We could 
not tell whether he had indeed changed his views, or 
whether we must conclude, that every new exchange 
was made in direct violation of the dictates of his con- 
science. We were without any indemnity for the past, 
or security for the future. He had forfeited our esteem, 
and we could not confide in his pretentions to do in 
conformity to the advice of the council, absolutely to 
prevent dismission, as it seemed, what he had, for so 
long a time, refused to do, in compliance with the 
unanimous wishes of his society and the most earnest 
entreaties of those who still remain his best friends, 
whose age and experience demanded more attention 
than they met from him, and who, at the first whisper- 
ings of uneasiness, urged him by every motive, " to 
quench the fire, that had but begun to kindle, and at 
that period might easily be extinguished/' 

We had every reason to believe, that he was deter- 
mined to do no more, than from the exigency of his cir- 

4 



26 



cumstances, he was absolutely obliged to do, in com- 
pliance with the wishes of his society ; and from the cir- 
cumstance of his leaving the Boston Association directly 
after our separation from his society, we are fully con- 
firmed in that opinion. If those few new exchanges 
were made from sincere and conscientious motives, why 
does he not continue them ? 

From this circumstance we are also convinced, that 
his original design in joining the Association was an ar- 
tifice to deceive us, as to his future conduct. Having 
exhausted all other means of redress, we resolved, at 
last, to avail ourselves of the rule pointed out by the 
Supreme Judicial Court, in the case of the Rev. Joseph 
Avery, against the inhabitants of Tyringham. 

And after repeatedly requesting the Rev. Mr. Cod- 
man to ask a dismission, a parish-meeting was called, at 
which time he was again requested, by a committee of 
the parish to ask a dismission ; and on his refusal, the 
causes of complaint, that were presented before the first 
ecclesiastical council, together with others that had since 
arisen, were presented and read, and by a vote of the 
parish he was declared to be dismissed 

As the regularity of this last measure has been fre- 
quently denied, and it does not appear to be generally 
understood, we shall give it a more particular attention. 

In the first place, we would observe, that it was not 
the intention of the parish to decide for themselves the 
merits of their cause, and thus assume the right of dis- 
charging themselves from the obligations of their contract, 
or to institute an unauthorised and irregular way of de- 
termining difficulties between ministers and people. But 
it was their object to get their cause before a civil tribu- 
nal, according to the direction, above alluded to. It is 
thought by many, that a minister cannot be regularly 
dismissed, but by an ecclesiastical council. So far is 
this opinion from being correct, that a council is in no 
case, absolutely necessary for dismissing a minister, 
where articles of complaint are alleged against him. 
For proof of this, we extract the following from the opin- 

* See Note 16. 



£7 

ion of Chief Justice Parsons, — 3d Vol. Mass. Reports, 
page 181. 

"It is the duty of a minister to teach by precept and 
example. If his example is vicious, he is worse than 
useless. Immoral conduct is then such misfeazance as 
amounts to a forfeiture of his office. I do not mean to 
include mere infirmities incident to human nature, and 
to which an habitually good man is sometimes liable. 
Negligence also, or a wilful and faulty neglect of public 
preaching, or of administering the ordinances, or of per- 
forming other usual parochial duties, is such a nonfeaz- 
ance, as will cause a forfeiture of the office. In either 
of these cases, or in both, the town may, at a legal meet- 
ting, declare the office forfeited, assigning in their votes 
the causes of the forfeiture, and of their dismission. If 
the minister do not resist, no further question will arise : 
if he still claim the office, and sue for his salary, the char- 
ges made by the town, as creating a forfeiture, are ques- 
tions of fact properly to be submitted to the jury. If 
they find the allegations true, the minister will not be 
considered as holding his office, after the vote of dismis- 
sion. If the allegations are false, justice requires that 
he shall recover his salary. These allegations the jury 
are competent to inquire into, and on such inquiry ulti- 
mately to decide. And doubtless they would be as 
willing to relieve a town from the burthen of supporting 
a vicious and unworthy minister, as they would to aid 
an exemplary and faithful one, in recovering his stipula- 
ted salary. 5 * 

Whether the allegations were true or false, and suffi- 
cient in our case, to create a forfeiture, was not, it is true, 
decided by this test. But from the Rev. Mr. Codman's 
declining to bring it to this test, it may be judged how 
much confidence he had in his cause. For it can hardly 
be supposed, that if he felt perfectly innocent with regard 
to those allegations, he would submit to such a violation 
of his rights ; (for if those allegations were not true, the 
conduct of the parish was a most gross violation of his 
rights,) — would subject himself and friends to an ex- 



£8 

pense of 10,000 dollars, at least, in buying the pews of 
the dissatisfied, and settling other affairs in his parish, — 
would suffer the loss of more than half his parishioners, 
and permit so deep a stain to remain on his character ; 
when by appealing to the highest tribunal in the state, 
in the justice of whose decision an innocent man could 
most certainly confide, if he could confide in any thing, 
he might, with a very trifling expense, have asserted his 
innocence, and placed his character in the most advanta- 
geous light, — might at once, have totally and forever si- 
lenced those who were opposed to him, — might have re- 
tained his parish entire, and gone on unmolested, in the 
discharge of his ministerial duties, in the manner most 
" consistent with the dictates of his conscience." 

We are of opinion, that our cause, in an eminent de- 
gree, required this mode of decision. But when we 
found Mr. Codman determined not to resort to it, but 
to contend day after day for the pulpit, terms of separa- 
tion were proposed on our part, which were agreed to 
by him and others, in behalf of his friends.* 

We have now erected a house, where we intend to 
support public worship, and we most fervently hope and 
pray, that this arrangement may be the means of restor- 
ing, establishing, and perpetuating peace and friendship 
among us "0/2 true christian principles ." 

It was indeed with the greatest reluctance that we re- 
signed our seats in the second meeting house, which is 
central and highly commodious for the whole parish, and 
for which we had contracted the strongest attachments. 
It was with difficulty that we consented to subject the 
parish to the additional expense of building a third meet- 
ing-house, and the permanent expense of supporting two 
ministers instead of one. But it was with the deepest 
regret and keenest sorrow, that we were obliged to dis- 
solve the ties of religious communion and intercourse, 
with our friends who now constitute the second church 
and society. Many circumstances had contributed t® 
render those ties peculiarly strong and endearing. Many 
of us have lived and worshipped together, in the most 

* See Note IT, 



perfect harmony, through the whole course of a long life, 
and it is painful in the extreme, to be thus separated in 
the evening of our days. 

We are of opinion that an attachment to no one man, 
however deserving he might be, ought thus to have sep- 
arated us. We have not now, nor have we ever had, 
the least wish to have a different kind of preaching, or a 
different mode of ministerial duty performed among us, 
from what they, together with ourselves, have, from our 
infancy been accustomed to ; nor do we now entertain 
any sentiments toward them, which would prevent the 
continuance of that pleasant, social and religious inter- 
course, — of that "love and harmony " of that " peace and 
friendship" of that charity, kindness and moderation? 
which were once our "praise in all the churches." We 
cannot conceive why they should now apprehend more 
danger from us, in case Mr. Codman had left them, than 
they did before he came amongst us. Or on what their 
opinion is grounded, that "the evils which would result, 
are so many and so great, that they cannot anticipate 
them without the most painful sensations."* Nor do 
we know what reason there is to suppose, that a society 
which had always before enjoyed the greatest share of 
harmony and peace among themselves, would be "divid- 
ed and torn to pieces, and not be able to unite in another 
minister" — that a church "would despond and languish,' 5 
on being separated from a pastor, under whose ministra* 
tion they had enjoyed scarcely a moment of peace. 

In whatever light the disinterested and impartial may be 
inclined to view our conduct, we are conscious to our- 
selves of no intention to invade the prerogatives of any ; 
or to enlarge, to a dangerous extent, the bounds of reli- 
gious freedom. We wish "to cultivate that spirit of can- 
dor and toleration" which is the only safeguard to free 
inquiry, and the surest guide to religions truth. While 
we refuse to be 1 entangled with any yoke of ecclesiastical 
bondage,' we wish to "stand fast in the liberty," and in 
that alone,, "werewith Christ hath made us free/ 3 



'Collection of papers, pages 117 & 1U?.. 



30 



Any attention, that may be bestowed on this memo- 
rial, will be received with gratitude by us and those 
whom we represent. 

With sentiments of reverence and respect, we sub- 
scribe ourselves, in behalf of the proprietors of the New 
South meeting-house in Dorchester, 

THOMAS CREHORE, 
ABNER LORING, 
EDMUND BAKER, 
JOHN BUSSEY, 
STEPHEN PIERCE, 
BENJAMIN FULLER 

Dorchester, September 13th, 1813. 



N. B. It is our wish to have our ineeting-house dedicated ac- 
cording to the usual custom. It will be ready on Wednesday, 29th 
of the present month. We would likewise submit it to the asso- 
ciation to make such arrangements respecting the time, should the 
day proposed not be convenient ; and the assignment of the per- 
formances, as in their opinion will be most convenient and proper. 

The committee will be happy, at any time, to give any informa- 
tion respecting the statements made in our memorial. 



September 13, 1813. Boston Association met at the Rev, Mf, 
Pierce's, Brookline. A memorial of several individuals, who had 
separated from the Second Parish in Dorchester, was presented, 
read and committed to Rev. Dr. Porter, Messrs. Channing and 
Thacher, with request to report thereon next Thursday se'nnight ? 
at elv< o'clock ; to which time the Association adjourned. 

September 23, Thursday, twelve o'clock. Met according to 
adjournment immediately after the Lecture, in the Theological 
Room, when the following report was communicated and accepted, 




WHEREAS a number of individuals, who have sep- 
arated from the Second Parish in Dorchester, have pre- 
sented a memorial to this association, setting forth the 
reasons of their conduct, and asking us to join in the 
dedication of their new meeting-house to the service of 
God : therefore 

Resolved, That while we approve the great object for 
which these memorialists profess to contend, namely, 
the preservation and promotion of that harmony and 
friendly intercourse, which have for many years subsist- 
ed amongst the churches in this neighborhood, as well 
as amongst their respective pastors, we do not conceive 
ourselves called on to pass judgment, in our official ca- 
pacity, on the proceedings of either party in this affair ; 
in which, as the memorialists candidly observe, "it is 
natural to suppose that much party feeling has been ex- 
cited, and many things have been said and done by in- 
dividuals, on both sides, which in their cooler moments, 
they will condemn, and which the deliberate judgment 
of no one can approve." But inasmuch as it appears by 



32 



the ineffectual results of two successive councils, that 
there was no probable method of composing these differ- 
ences without a separation ; and as the separation ap- 
pears to have been the result of a mutual arrangement, 
therefore, 

Voted, That we comply with the request of the me- 
morialists. 

Voted, That the Rev. Dr. Lathrop be requested 
to preach a sermon on the occasion, and the Rev. Mr. 
Bradford and Rev. Dr. Porter to perform the devo- 
tional exercises. 

September 27. Association met at Rev. Dr. Free- 
man's. 

Voted, That Wednesday se'nnight, the 6th of O cto- 
ber, be appointed for the purpose of dedicating the new 
meeting-house in Dorchester, to the service of Almighty 
God ; and that the solemnities commence at half- past 
two o'clock, P.M. 

Copy from the records of the association. 



Attest, THOMAS GRAY, Scriber 



NOTE 1, 



THE following note is taken from a "Communication made by 
the proprietors of the south meeting-house in Dorchester, to the 
inhabitants of the town, Nov. 25, 1806 in which are stated — 
"the sentiments, wishes, and requests" of the proprietors, respect* 
ing the support of public worship in said meeting-house. 

a As the inhabitants of Dorchester are too numerous, and part 
of them too remote, to assemble in one ho:ise for public worship, 
(about sixty families having been obliged to assemble for that pur- 
pose in other towns) and it became necessary to erect another 
house, for that laudable design. And though there were different 
opinions respecting the situation on which it ought to be placed, 
a number of persons united and erected one, where a large major- 
ity thought most convenient to accommodate the greatest number 
of inhabitants ; and it being now completed, a public instructor, 
or minister of the Gospel, to perform the duties there, agreeably 
to the rules and customs so wisely adopted by our forefathers, and 
so generally practised in this town, is found expedient. — And 
though we, whose situation and circumstances render it proper 
that we should assemble at the new place for public worship, re- 
joice at the increase and prosperity which led to this event, yet 
we are impressed with the painful reflection that it must in some 
measure, deprive us of the pleasure and advantages we have long 
enjoyed, from the instructions, precepts and examples of our wor- 
thy minister Mr. Harris, whose watchful care and kind attention 
merit our grateful acknowledgments ; and will always be recol- 
lected with thankfulness to him, and to the all-wise Disposer of 
events who has favored us with this blessing. We also regret 
that we must in any degree be separated from our worthy and 
respected friends in the church and congregation, with whom we 
have long lived in habits of intimacy and union of sentiments, in a 
degree far beyond what religious societies often experience. 

And such regulations and arrangements in our religious con- 
cerns as shall be most convenient in their operation for the minis- 



5 



34 



ters and people of both societies, and shall make the least division 4 
in the town will be most agreeable to us." 



Note 2. 

The following extracts are from the farewell address of the second 
church to the first, at the time of their separation : 

"We have, in every stage of this important business, expressed 
our reluctance to complete separation. That it is now to take 
place is a painful consideration : but we yield to it upon principles 
of accordance, and with sincere desires, that we may be one in 
brotherly love and charity, though separated in place of public 
worship, in the celebration of the ordinances, and in church estab- 
lishment and discipline : and we entreat you not to consider divi- 
sion as implying alienation ; for that we would never feel." 
"God forbid that we should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to 
pray for you and your spiritual instructor, whom we bear on our 
teaks with the highest esteem 9 and separate from with the deepest 
regret." 

These sentiments were reciprocated by the first church as follows : 

"In yielding to your request for a dissolution of your immediate 
relation to us, we reciprocate the tender and affecting sentiments, 
with which that application was accompanied 5 and assure you of 
our good will and cordial affection which many considerations have 
served to strengthen ;" — "and we would be far from considering 
that the kind regards which these have produced, are alienated, 
or even diminished, by the separation which now takes place. 
Although circumstances have made it expedient, that you should 
form a new church, and your membership with us should be dis- 
solved : yet we cannot be indifferent to your welfare," &c. 



Note 3. 

Extract from the Rev, Mr. Tierce's sermon, at the gathering of 
the Second Church. 

"The pastors and delegates of sister churches, now convened, 
sincerely congratulate you on the wonderful unanimity, zeal, and 
success, with which you have conducted your affairs to this happy 

issue. 



35 



When you were taking the first steps toward a separation from 
your parent church, we were tremblingly apprehensive lest you 
should fall out by the way. But "hitherto hath the Lord helped 
you.-' We cannot but regard it as a token for good, that your civil 
concerns have been so amicably adjusted." 



Note 4. 

Extract from Br. Porter's Right-hand of fellowship at the gather- 
ing of the Second Church. 

"In the discharge of this pleasing duty, permit me, honored and 
beloved, at whose invitation we are assembled, to declare, that we 
consider you, as an orderly and regularly constituted church of 
Jesus Christ, both your Lord and ours ; and tender you our broth- 
erly affection, and the fellowship of the churches, we represent. 
Be assured of our taking a friendly interest in your concerns, of 
our prayers for your spiritual growth and prosperity, and of our 
disposition and readiness to maintain communion with you, in all 
those ways, in which distinct churches, possessing equal rights 
and powers, may have useful intercourse and fellowship with one 
another. Honored Sir,* if your heart and the hearts of 

YOUR BRETHREN, ON WHOSE BEHALF YOU ARE DEPUTED TO ACT 
BE AS OURS, OFFER ME YOUR HAND AND RECEIVE MINE. The 

meaning of this action, so well understood when used in common 
life, cannot be mistaken, when employed on a religious occasion 
like the present. It is a ratification of the sentiments, which have 
been expressed on our part 5 and a token that the same disposi- 
tions and views are entertained on yours. It is a mutual pledge 
of sincere and reciprocal esteem and affection. May it be the 
means of confirming and perpetuating our Christian unie=n, love 
and fellowship. You will allow me, Christian brethren, to remind 
you of the harmony and friendly intercourse, which have for many 
years subsisted among the churches in this neighbourhood, as well 
as among their respective pastors 5 and to express a confidence, 
that you will not be wanting in your disposition and endeavour s 9 
that peace and friendship may continue and abound. In an espe- 
cial manner, we trust, that you will ever be disposed to honour and 
love the parent church, from which you proceed, in whose bosom 
you were so long cherished. 

It is not without having felt a degree of solicitude for the pre- 
servation of harmony and brother ly love in this town, that we have 
seen the progress of your affairs. We now rejoice in the contem- 
plation of the decency and propriety, order and charity, with which 
they have been conducted and brought to their present issue/' 

* Stephen Badlam, Esq. chairman of the church committee. 



36 



[To tbe sentiments contained in the preceding note, the gentlemen 
deputed to act in behalf of the church assented, which laid the 
church under the most sacred obligations to act conformably to 
those sentiments, unless the form of expressing the fellowship of 
churches in this way be an idle and useless ceremony. 

The Rev. Mr. Cod man laid himself under similar obligations 
in receiving, through the Rev. Mr. Harris, the fellowship of the 
churches represented by his ordaining council. From this we 
extract the following note.] 

Note 5. 

. "Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the 
churches of New-England retain this expressive ceremony as an 
important part of ordination solemnities : and the council con- 
vened on the present joyful occasion, have assigned to me the 
agreeable office of presenting you, my brother, in their name and 
behalf, the social hand of Christian love and ministerial help. 
Accept it as the token of our affectionate regard, the pledge of our 
fellowship, and the promise of our fraternal assistance, encour- 
agement, and support. At the same time let us be assured, tbat 
as hand joins hand, so heart meets heart with correspondent affec- 
tion, and that, on your part, you will cherish towards us the like 
attachment, and willingly discharge in our favour the like offices 
of brotherly kindness and charity."- — 

. — "For many years Lave the inhabitants of this town been 
remarkable for their devout observance of the Lord's day, and 
regular attendance upon the duties of the sanctuary ; and before 
the recent separation, were considered as forming one of the largest 
assemblies of religious worshippers, with the greatest number of 
communicants, of any in the vicinity. Then, and through the 
whole transaction of gathering a new church, and forming a 
second society, a Christian spirit of love and harmony has been 
evinced, of which, perhaps, there is no fairer instance in the eccle- 
siastical history cf our country. 5 '— 

—"Standing fast in one spirit, and striving together for the faith 
of the gospel, they have paid little attention to lesser matters, and 
words of doubtful disputation, and have been indoctrinated rather 
in those important truths of religion in which all agree, than in 
those speculative topics about which so many differ. The modern 
distinctions of sect and party are scarcely known, and have never 
deen advocated among them. To be disciples and followers of the 
Lord Jesus, has been their only enueavour ; and to be called 
Christians the only appellation by whieh they have aimed or 
desired to be distinguished,*' 



37 



Note 6. 

Extract from the documents respecting the gathering of the Second 

Church. 

January 1, 1808, an ecclesiastical council was convened in Dor- 
chester, by letters missive from several members in full communion 
with the church of Christ there, who had dissolved their immediate 
relation, for the purpose of being gathered into a second church, 
consisting of the following churches : 

The Second Church ) Rev. John Lathrop, D.D. Pastor, 

of Christ in Boston, 5 Hon. Samuel Parkman, Esq. Delegate,, 

The First Church of £ Rev. Eliphalet Porter, D.D. Paster, * 
Christ in Roxbury, $ Mr. J° mi Clap, Delegate. 

The Third Church of> Rev. Thomas Gray, Pastor, 
Christ in Roxbury, 3 Deacon Nathaniel Weld, Delegate. 

The Church of Christ > Rev. John Pierce, Pastor,' 

in Brookline, 3 Deacon John Robinson, Delegate. 

rru m 1 • . I Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, Pastor, 

The Church of Christ / ^ ^ p . d i 

m Dorchester, J" ^ Jam?s „ Delegate*. 



Note 7. 

The following is a note subjoined to the Sermon and Right Hand 
of Fellowship, delivered at Mr. Codman's ordination. 

The ordaining council consisted of the pastors of the following 
churches, with their delegates : 
Church in Medford, Rev. David Osgood, D.D.f 
Old South Church in Boston, Rev. Joseph Eckley, D.D.*f & Rev. 

Joshua Huntington,* 
First Church in Roxbury, Rev. Eliphalet Porter, D.D.* 
CongregationalChurchinCharlestown,Rev. Jedediah Morse,D.D.* 
First Church in Dorchester, Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris,*! 
Church in Brookline, Rev. John Pierce,* 

Church in Federal Street, Boston, Rev. William E. Channing,*t 

First Church in Bed ham, Rev. Joshua Bates, 

Church in Brattle-Street, Boston, Rev. Joseph S. Buckminster,*f 

Church in West-Boston, Rev. Charles Loweil,*t 

Church in Milton, Rev. Samuel Gile. 

* Gentlemen belonging to the Boston Association, 
t Those who performed on this occasion, 



88 



Note 8. 

Extracts from the Rev. Mr. Codman's communication previous to 
accepting his call. 

"I think it ray duty in the presence of a heart-searching God, 
and of this church, to declare my firm, unshaken faith in those doc- 
trines, that are sometimes called the doctrines of the reformation, 
the doctrines of the cross, the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel." 

"These doctrines, through the help of God, I intend to preach ; 
in the faith of these doctrines I hope to live ; aud in the faith of 
these doctrines I hope to die. 

"It gives me great pleasure to have it in my power to say that I 
eelieve my faith is the same with that of our venerable forefath- 
ers 5 and particularly with that of the former pastors of the 
church of Dorchester, Warham, Maverick, Mather, Burr, &c. &c. 

"As Jlrian and Socinian errors have of late years crept into some 
of our churches, I think it my duty to declare to that church of 
Christ, of whom I may have the pastoral charge, that I believe the 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be the one living and true God ; 
and that my faith, in general, is conformable to the Assembly's 
Catechism, and to the confession of faith drawn up by the elders 
and messengers of the Congregational Churches in 1680, and re- 
commended to the churches by the General Court of Massachusetts. 
With regard to the discipline of the church, I shall be guided by 
that excellent platform of church discipline drawn up at Cam- 
bridge, principally by the Rev. Richard Mather, formerly minis- 
ter of Dorchester. I have thus discharged a duty, which I thought 
I owed to the Great Head of the church, and to you his visible 
members." 

"I have made this communication, my dear Christian friends 
aud brethren, to prevent any misunderstanding between us : I wish 
you to know the sentiments of the man you have chosen to be your 
pastor." 



Note 9. 

Extracts from the Letter of the Parish Committee, in answer to the 

preceding. 

"Although there may be a difference in opinion, among us, re- 
specting some parts of the Holy Scriptures ; your communication 
is received with pleasure, and general satisfaction ; and we vene- 
rate the principles of our forefathers, especially the pious and wor- 
thy pastors of the church of Christ in Dorchester, w ho have been 
as shining lights in the golden candlestick, and are happy to find 
you agree with them in sentiments." 

"In our present imperfect state, various opinions and discordant 
sentiments will exist, and occasions oecur for the exercise of a spirit 



2d 



of condescension, patience, and toleration; this spirit we wish to 
cultivate, as we all acknowledge the same Great Head of the 
church, and in him are all brethren ; and if we follow his exam- 
ple shall be all friends." "A general unanimity and spirit of ac- 
commodation, we hope, will continue among us, and should you 
accept our call to the important duties of a gospel minister, we 
have no doubt but you will use your endeavours to promote peace 
and friendship among the people of your charge, and to continue 
and confirm it among our sister churehes and their pastors, and the 
University, of which you will be an overseer." 

N. B. The preceding was unanimously approved at a parish 
meeting. 



Note 10. 

Extract from theMev. Mr. Bates' Letter, in answer to a letter from 
the Parish Committee. 

"I cannot comply with your request because I should thus pub- 
licly denounce a brother in the ministry ; a brother, whom t 
love and esteem, as a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. Till he 
is judged and condemned by some regular ecclesiastical council, by 
the church with which he is connected, or some other proper tribu- 
nal, till he is thus regularly judged and condemned either of error 
in doctrine, or immorality in practice, of "bringing in damnable 
heresies," or "holding the truth in unrighteousness," and, while I 
have reason to believe, on the contrary, that he is a faithful minis- 
ter, I cannot, by a voluntary compliance with your request, pub- 
licly denounce him." 

P. S. "'There is another reason, which did not occur to my mind, 
when writing the above, against complying with your request : that 
is, that I should thus cruelly deprive the people of my particular 
charge of the occasional labors of Mr. Codman, whose preaching, 
with us has been peculiarly pleasing, and I hope profitable." 



Note 11. 

Address to Rev. Mr. Codman respecting exchanges.. 

Rev. Mr. Codmak, 

Sir, We your parishioners, with diffidence address you, on a sub- 
ject which we think a very important one. We are fully aware 
that quarrels and dissentions between clergymen and their people 
are fraught with serious, evils j they set the father against the son* 



40 



and the son against the father, and thereby all the peace and happi 
ness of society is undermined ; this we have all witnessed near at 
home. And to prevent as much as in our power this awful calam- 
ity, we have thought fit to submit to you, for your consideration, 
the following : 

We do not presume, neither have we a wish to prescribe what 
doctrine would be most congenial to our feelings to hear from 
you ; but are willing you should exercise your own opinion. 
It is however, our humble opinion, that for a clergyman to be ena- 
bled to do good, and promote the happiness and welfare of his par- 
ish, he must have the love, good will, and affections of his people, 
and thereby cause a punctual attendance on public worship. But 
the principal object we have in view, at this time, is to represent 
to you, that there is a dissatisfaction and uneasiness in the parish, 
which appears to be daily increasing, and we fear if it is not soon 
checked, there will be much disorder aud confusion in the parish, 
which we sincerely deprecate. The principal cause of which, we 
apprehend, arises from a disappointment that many of your parish- 
ioners feel from your not making your exchanges generally, with 
those ministers who preach the public lectures in Boston, on Thurs- 
days, and with them indiscriminately. 

This we did expect, and this we think we have a just claim to 
expect from your own observations, previous to your being settled 
as our minister. This we humbly submit to your candid consid- 
eration, and remain your friends, well wishers, and obedient hum- 
ble servants, 

Signed by EDMUND BAKER, 
BENJ. FULLER, 
THO'S. C RE HO RE, and 37 others, 

Dorchester, Nov. 10th, 1809. 



Letter accompanying the address. 

Rev. Mr. Codmax, 

Sir, — The undersigned are requested by the subscribers to the 
enclosed to transmit the same to you, and we by their request beg 
your indulgence so far as to receive the same, and investigate it, 
and make such use of it as you in your judgment may think most 
expedient. And we feel a lively hope, that you will be so directed 
by Divine Providence, as to pursue such measures as may have a 
tendency to promote our spiritual and temporal good, and that we 
may long dwell together in unity. 

And we are authorised to say, if any one sentence of the enclosed 
should be thought expressed in a harsh or indecorous manner, or if 
any part of it can be so construed as to have the least semblance of 
imperative language, the same is an error of judgment, and not of 
design, and we beg you to receive it as such,. 



41 



We are led to make these remarks from suggestions of some who 
have seen the enclosed, that you possibly might so consider 
it. 

We remain with sentiments of the utmost friendship and esteem, 
t our devoted servants and friends, 

THOMAS CREHOREn 
SAMUEL B. LYON, 
EDW. W. BAXTER, VCommitt. 
BENJ. FULLER, | 
STEPHEN PIERCE, J 



Note 12. 

Extract from Mr. Codmarfs answer to the above. 

"With regard to "the principal object" which you profess to have 
in view "at this time," you must give me leave to say, that I never 
can, nor never shall pledge myself to exchange pulpits with any 
man or body of men whatever ; and that I never did, from any ob- 
servations previous to my being settled as your minister, give you 
any just claim to expect it." 



Note 13. 

Circular letter of the parish to several ministers. 

Rev. Sir, — The singular mode pursued by the Rev. Mr. Codman« 
in respect to the exchanges he has made, has been a matter of se- 
rious regret with almost every member of his parish. 

Why he should select gentlemen from several associations with 
whom he is not connected, to preach in his pulpit, to the almost 
total exclusion of the gentlemen who compose the association of 
which he is a memben, and of whom the council that ordained him 
were principally composed, is to us so novel, that we confess we 
are unable to account for it. The people of Dorchester , from 
time immemorial, have been in the habit of hearing (in turn) the 
members of the Boston Association ; and it will be a very diffi- 
cult matter to persuade the second parish to relinquish that right. 
We therefore presume, Rev. Sir, that you will comply with the 
above vote, and not take any step to convulse a parish already sha- 
ken to its centre. 

We subscribe ourselves, Rev. Sir, with sentiments of respect, 
your humble servants, 

Copy signed, THOMAS TILESTON,! 

BENJ. PIERCE, V Committee/ 

TIJOMAS CREHORE, J 

Dorchester, Nov. 7, 1810, v 



0 



Note 14. 

Jihssrs. Withington Sf Tileston's deposition, 

We,SamueI Withington and Thomas Tiieston,both of Dorchester, 
testify and say — that being two of the Committee appointed io 
communicate to Mr. Codman the proceedings of the parish, on his 
communication of the 31st of October, lbOS — After transacting 
the business of the parish, and being desirous of ascertaining Mr» 
Codmairs ideas on church discipline generally, and wishing to quiet 
the fears of some members of the parish, who had been in some 
degree alarmed at the sentiments contained in the communication 
aforesaid, and had expressed doubts, whether Mr. Codman would 
exchange with the Boston Association of ministers generally, 
ive introduced the conversation, by asking him, if he inten- 
ded to introduce creeds and confessions into his church, by that, 
part of his communication where he says, "with regard to the 
discipline of the church, I shall be guided by that excellent plat- 
form of church discipline drawn up at Cambridge, principally by 
the Rev. Richard Mather, formerly minister of Dorchester." He 
answered, No, by ho means — the time for these things is past ; in all 
these matters I shall be governed by the Association which I mean 
immediately to join, and with whom 1 mean to be upon the most in- 
timate terms of friendship. After hearing the above explicit answer, 
and having much conversation with Mr. Codman as it respected his 
settlement, &c. the impression made on our minds was such, as in- 
duced us to believe, that all difficulties would be removed with 
those, who were apprehensive, that he would not exchange minis- 
terial labors with the Boston Association of ministers ; and we 
communicated our ideas upon this subject to some of the disaffect- 
ed, who, we believe, gave up their opposition to the settlement of 
the Rev. Mr. Codman, in consequence of the information received 
from us. 

We further say, that in the month of Nov. i 809, we spent several 
hours with the Rev. Mr. Codmau, and informed him, that he would 
soon be presented with an address, signed by near forty persons, 
and that said address had been seen by us, and that we thought it 
a modest and handsome one, and that we were as anxious to have 
the exchanges take place, as the addressers were. He observed, 
that if he should receive an address for the above purpose, it would 
he nothing new to him, as he had understood for two or three 
months past, that some of his parish were dissatisfied at his not 
exchanging, and would make such a request. He then said, if it 
had been his intention to have exchanged with Dr. Porter, or Mr. 
Pierce, the next Sunday, he should not do it ; where, said he, would 
be my independence ? should I apply to either of the gentlemen, 
their answer would be — Mr. Codman, I should be happy to preach 
in your pulpit, but it is not your wish, you are compelled, Sir, to 
gjake this request by your society. Where then would be my hide- 



43 



pendence ? I therefore, cannot exchauge with any of the Association 
who differ with me in religious opinions* until they think with me, 
or I with them, which I hope to God will never be the case." 

SAMUEL WITHINGTON, 
THOMAS TILESTON. 



Note 15. 
Mr. Davenport's Deposition. 

I, Ebenezer Davenport, do testify and say, that after Mr. Cod- 
man's communication containing his principles, and in which he 
proposed the exchange of the psalm-books, &c. a number of the 
people belonging to the parish told me they had some doubts, from 
that communication, whether Mr. Codman would exchange with 
such ministers as used to preach here. 

On hearing this, I felt anxious to talk with Mr. Codman on the 
subject, and called to see him in Boston for that purpose. I found 
him at home and alone. After the usual compliments, he began 
with me, by asking how the people liked the communication made 
to them in his letter ? I told him there were some who did not al- 
together like it. because they feared he would not exchange with 
such ministers as they were accustomed to hear. Mr. Codman 
appeared to be surprised, and said he should not pledge himself to 
exchange with any ministers. He observed, that he was unacquain- 
ted with many of the neighbouring ministers, and asked me if Mr. 
Harris exchanged with those to whom I referred. I told him he 
did, and that if he exchanged with such ministers as Mr. Harris 
did, there would, in my opinion, be no difficulty. Mr. Codman 
said he expected to exchange with Mr. Harris yery often, and that 
they should ease one another's labours very much by exchanging ; 
and that he did not see any difficulty respecting exchanges 

Mr. Codman's conversation gave me satisfaction as to that sub- 
ject. I afterwards told those who were doubtful, of the conversa- 
tion I had had with Mr. Codman, and of the satisfaction I felt re- 
specting the subject of their doubts. 

And I do further testify and say, that about the latter end of 
November, or the beginning of December, 1809 — an address, inten- 
ded to be sent to Mr. Codman requesting him to exchange with the 
ministers of the Boston Association, was handed to me by Mr. 
Thomas Crehore, for my signature. I did not sign it, although I 
approved of the address ,* but told him, I would go and see Mr. 
Codman myself, on that subjeet. I accordingly went to see him, 
and told him that if he did not exchange with some of the neigh- 
bouring ministers, with whom he had not exchanged, it was my 
opinion there would be a serious difficulty. Mr. Codman told me, 
he thought I had good preaching from those with whom he ex- 



44 



changed, and asked me, with whom I wished him to exchange ? I 
told him I wished him to exchange with Dr. Porter in particular, as 
I always thought him to be a very serious good man ; and also with 
Mr. Pierce, and Mr. Gray ; and in my opinion, it would satisfy 
the parish. He told me, he was sorry I could not distinguish 
preaching better than I did, and observed that "they had good 
preaching in Roxbury, in Mr. Adams' day, but that he wondered 
they could put up with such preaching as they had there now." 
The above conversation I declare to be the truth. It gave me 
much uneasiness, and is one particular cause of my dissatisfaction 
with Mr. Codman* 

UBENEZER DAVENPORT, 



Note 16. 
Proceedings at a Parish Meeting. 

At a legal meeting of the second Parish in Dorchester on Tues- 
day, November 24, 1812. 

Voted — "That whereas there has" long existed in the second 
parish in Dorchester, a most unhappy and injurious controversy 
with the minister and pastor thereof, which, whether justifiable or 
not, in its origin and progress, must by its continuance be destruc 
tive to the principles of morality and religion, and the peace, order 
and prosperity of the society, and unpleasant and injurious to the 
feelings, comfort and happiness of the minister ; and whereas there 
appears to be no prospect of the restoration and re-establishment of 
harmony, and those feelings necessary to make a minister and peo- 
ple happy and prosperous together, and edifying to one another — 
therefore voted, that Benjamin Parsons, Esq. Capt. Samuel B. 
Lyon and Thomas Crehore, be a committee to wait on the Rev. Mr. 
Codman, and in the name of the parish respectfully to request him 
to ask a dismission from his ministerial office and relation in the 
parish. 

Report of the above Committee. 

The committee appointed to wait on the Rev. Mr. Codman, and 
request him to ask a dismission, have attended that service, and beg 
leave to report, that Mr. Codman has refused to comply with said 
request, and he requests that his letter in answer to a letter from 
forty -seven gentlemen on that subject, may be considered as his 
answer to the point. B. PARSONS, per order. 

AVhereas, the Rev. John Codman has refused to comply with the 
reasonable wish and request of the parish for him to ask a dismis- 
sion, and whereas in the opinion of the parish he has forfeited his 
office, therefore voted, that the ministerial and pastoral relation, 
and connexion between him and the parish, be extinct from and 
after Thursday next, and that the. parish will not allow him 



45 



io preach in their meeting-house, nor pay him any salary after 
that time." 

Articles of agreement on the part of Mr. Codman and his friends, 

1. Mr. Codman's friends shall give a good and sufficient bond, to 
purchase all the pews in the meeting-house, at the cost, viz. what 
they were apprised at, and w hat was given for choice, that shall 
be offered them in sixty days, by persons disaffected with Mr. 
Codman, to be paid for in approved notes of hand, payable in one 
year from the delivering of the deeds, with interest. 

2. Mr. Codman shall give a bond to refund all taxes to be assessed 
from this date upon the persons disaffected with him, who shall 
certify the same in sixty days, on condition that they take no part 
in parish affairs so long as Mr. Codman shall be the minister of 
the parish. 

3. A bond shall be given by responsible persons, that the parish 
shall forthwith pay over to those who shall certify their disaffec- 
tion as aforesaid, their proportion of the ministerial fund in Dor- 
chester, to be appropriated to the payment of a preacher, provided 
they shall employ one, or to constitute a permanent fund for the 
support of a preacher, whenever they may employ one — he not to 
preach in the South meeting-house. 

4. The friends of Mr. Codman shall obligate themselves not to 
oppose, but if required, shall consent and join the disaffected in a 
petition to the legislature, provided the disaffected shall be desir- 
ous of obtaining an act of incorporation for another parish. 

5. The second parish in Dorchester shall obligate themselves 
to assist the disaffected, provided they should be incorporated as 
another parish in obtaining from the town and church their pro- 
portion of the ministerial funds and church property. 

We the undersigned, for ourselves and in behalf of the friends 
of Mr. Codman, agree to the foregoing articles, and pledge our- 
selves to do all in our power to carry ihem into effeet. 

JOHN CAPEN, Jun. 

NEHEMIAH W. SKILLINGS. 

I agree to the above, 

JOHN CODMAN, 

IXor Chester, 1st Dec. 1812. 



46 



CONCLUSION". 

AS we wish our defence to be as public as the cen- 
sure, to which we have been subjected, we have thought 
it expedient to publish our memorial, with references to 
certain documents, which may serve to illustrate and 
confirm some of the statements therein made. 

We think it proper to add a few words, in order to 
correct some mistakes that have gained circulation. 

We wish* it to be distinctly understood, that a dissat- 
isfaction with the doctrines, which Mr. Codman has 
preached, or a difference in religious sentiments, has con- 
stituted no part of our complaint against him, and that 
we have never presumed to dictate to him in that particu- 
lar. We refer to Note 11, for the sentiments we have 
invariably entertained on that subject. 

We have never wished to abridge his ministerial pre- 
rogatives, to have him make exchanges where any dif- 
ficulties previously existed, which severe not under his 
control, or to deny him all discretion in the choice of 
those with whom he might exchange pulpits. But we 
could not withhold our protest against a system, calcu- 
lated in effect to make us a separate religious society ; 
cutting us off from that intercourse with the great- 
er part of the Christian societies* of our own denomi- 
nation, by which our friendship and communion with 
than had been preserved. 

Yet no open complaint was made till gentle entreaty 
and persuasion — till "the frequent applications and indi- 
vidual requests"^ of his best friends had proved ineffec- 
tual. 

* Collection of papers, page 65* f Ibidem, p 31. 



47 



In oar memorial we have confined our observations 
almost entirely, to the subject of ministerial exchanges, 
Because, 1, We consider that of sufficient importance 
to justify our proceedings, and on that alone we have 
always been willing to rest the merits of our cause. 2, A 
consideration of ail the distinct articles of complaint 
would necessarily lead us into such long discussions ? 
as would swell to an unreasonable size, this publication, 
which has already increased beyond our intentions and 
expectations. 

3, It might excite anew the spirit of contention, which 
we now most devoutly hope may forever subside. And, 
4, In a publication of this kind, where they would not 
appear with the evidence, on which the truth of them 
depends, they would not probably be justly estimated. 

In fine, those articles of complaint would not meet, 
from the various descriptions of readers, under whose 
inspection they might come, that strict scrutiny, and 
impartial examination, which a court of justice would 
give them. 

And since we have done every thing in our power to 
have them referred to the highest tribunal in the state, 
it cannot be thought that we shrink from an investigw 
tion of them. 

We are perfectly willing to leave Mr. Codman to the 
quiet enjoyment of all the satisfaction he can derive from 
the conscious rectitude of his conduct ; and refer it to 
the decision of the candid and impartial, whether there 
has existed some just cause of complaint, or whether the 
proceedings of those, who have protested against the 
measures of Mr. Codman, and who, for more than three 
years, have constituted <l the majority of the second parish 



48 



hi Dorchester ■/** originated in a disposition to "foment 
dissentions" and "spread contention far and wide :"f 
Whether they have been actuated, in this affair, merely 
by u a spirit of opposition, persecution, and intolerance ; M J 
or whether it has been their object to preserve their ob- 
ligations inviolate, and to retain those rights and privi- 
leges, which they have received from their fathers, that 
they may transmit them to their posterit) ♦ 



* Collection of papers, page 30 k H. f Ibidem, p. 43. $ Ibidem, p. 49 & 119. 



ERRATA, 

Pa^e 25— In part of the impressions, 18th line from bottom, tor, -we had, r 
he had, line 17th from bottom, for, he must conclude, n we must conclude, 



A 



SERMON, 

DELIVERED AT 

THE DEDICATION 

OF THE 

NEW SOUTH MEETING-HOUSE 

IN 

DORCHESTER, 
Oct. 6 5 1818, 

BY JOHN LATHROP, D,D* 

Pastor of the Second Church in Boston. 

BOSTON : 

PUBLISHED BY WATSON & BANGS, 7 STATE-STREET. 

1813 e 



N. B. The quotation from Pliny, and two or three other sen- 
tences which were not delivered, but which are thoj|glit appropri- 
ate, make part of the printed discourse. 



SERMON. 



2 Chronicles, vi. 40, 

JV*ow, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine 
ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 

HOWEVER remote our minds may be from super- 
stition, we certainly feel an impression, when, for the first 
time, we enter a house erected for the worship of God, 
very different from w r hat we feel, when we enter houses 
erected for the common purposes of life. While we do not 
pretend to give sanctity to wood and to stones by any 
ceremonies, or forms of devotion which we observe at the 
opening of a place of worship, it is certainly proper, that 
when an house is erected and made ready for a purpose 
so important, it be set apart, and dedicated with certain 
appropriate acts. For this we have the example of 
Solomon, who was certainly among the wisest and the 
best of the Hebrew rulers. 

Solomon was directed to build a temple for the 
public worship of Jehovah. When the temple was 
finished, the men of Israel were assembled by the order 
of tne kmg, to attend the feast of dedication* When 



all things were prepared, agreeably to arrangements 
previously established, Solomon stood before the altar 
of the Lord, in the presence of the congregation of 
Israel, and spread forth his hands, and said, 

"O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in 
the heaven, nor in the earth, which keepest covenant^ 
and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before 
thee with all their hearts : Thou which hast kept with 
thy servant David my father, that which thou hast 
promised him, and spakest with thy mouth, and hast ful- 
filled it with thine hand, as it is this day. Now then, O 
Lord God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou 
hast spoken unto thy servant David. But will God 
In very deed, dwell with men on the earth ? behold 
heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee ! 
how much less this house which I have built ? Have 
respect, therefore, to the prayer of thy servant, and to 
his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto 
the cry, and unto the prayer, which thy servant prayeth 
before thee. That thine eyes may be upon this house 
day and night, upon the place where thou hast said, 
that thou wilt put thy name there, to hearken unto 
the prayer which thy servant prayeth towards this place. 
Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, 
and of thy people Israel, which they shall make towards 
this place. Hear thou from thy dwelling place, even 
from heaven, and when thou hearest, forgive." 

The whole prayer which king Solomon made at the 
dedication of the temple, is a wonderful piece of ancient 



1 



3 



composition ; and cannot be read by any who have 
pleasure in the worship of the wise and true God, without 
elevated devotion. 

The worship which was offered in the temple, in the 
days of Solomon, was the most sublime, and I believe 
the most perfect, that ever had been performed, from 
the creation of the world. It was such, as to the form and 
manner, as God himself had ordained ; and those who 
offered worship according to those forms, in the exercise 
of sincerity and uprightness of heart, offered an accepta- 
ble worship. 

The temple service was admirably calculated to 
impress solemnity, and to raise the souls of sincere 
worshippers to God. 

The building itself was immense; the assemblies 
which convened at the great festivals, were astonishingly 
numerous ; the prayers were solemn ; the musick was 
performed by vast choirs, by people trained to the ser- 
vice ; and, to voices long exercised together, were join- 
ed a larger number of instruments than have since been 
used, I believe, in any place of religious worship. But 
the concourse of people, the solemn prayers, and the 
musick, for which no expense was thought too great 9 
were not the whole which gave solemnity and perfection 
to the temple service. There was court within court ; 
the holy, and the most holy ; and in the holiest of all, 
was "the ark of the covenant, overlaid round about with 
gold there were the cherubims spreading forth their 
wings ; and there was the glory of the Lord, 



6 



Into this place, awfully solemn, no mortal was per- 
mitted to enter, except the high priest, and that but 
once in the year "with blood, which he offered for him- 
self, and for the errors of the people. 3 ' 

The Jewish high priest, thus entering into the holy of 
holies, once in the end of the year, to make atonement for 
the people, prefigured the high priest of our profession, 
who, having offered his life on the cross, hath entered into 
heaven itself, where he ever liveth to make intercession 
for us. " Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the 
heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high priest of 
our profession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to him 
that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his 
liouse." 

We may now come boldly unto the throne of grace, 
and pray that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to 
help in every time of need. 

Although the forms of the Christian worship are far 
less splendid, than were those of the Hebrew church, 
our services will not be less acceptable, provided they 
be offered in the exercise of faith, and in humble depen- 
dence on the Mediator of the new covenant. 

Besides the temple, where all the males of the chil- 
dren of Israel w T ere ordered to assemble, three times in 
the year, before the Lord, there were other places pro- 
vided for the accommodation of people who had a desire 
to attend divine \vorship. Our Lord, we find, not only 
attended, but he assisted in the worship which was 
usually performed in the synagogues. 



1 

The first ministers of Jesus were also admitted into 
the places where the Jews assembled on the sabbath days, 
and those holy men preached the gospel, to such as were 
willing to hear them. There were still other places, 
called oratories or pros euchte, where the pious met for 
prayer, whenever they were disposed to unite in social 
worship. 

Although the apostles were for a short time permitted 
to speak in the synagogues of the Jews, and to dispute 
with the scribes, who generally attended at those places ? 
and expounded the law of Moses, it was not long before 
a clamour was raised against the ministers of Christ, and 
they were cast out and persecuted. During the greatest 
part of the first three hundred years, the propagators of 
the gospel preached in private houses, and in places 
where they could be secure from their enemies. At 
length the Christian religion was embraced by powerful 
emperors ; and from the time of Constantine the Great, 
Christians have generally been accommodated with 
churches, where, under various forms, they performed 
religious worship. And such accommodations, Chris- 
tians have generally possessed in this quarter of the 
world, from the time that our fathers brought the gos* 
pel from their native land. 

This house, my friends, you have erected, and made 
convenient for the purpose of religious worship. Here 
you will meet from sabbath to sabbath, and unite in 
offering your prayers and praises to Almighty God. 
You have invited the associated pastors of the churches 



8 



in this vicinity, to unite with you, in dedicating this 
house to God. This house, on which you have bestow- 
ed labour and expense, you no longer call your own, 
It is henceforth to be called, the House of God. It is 
dedicated to the Most High. It is not to be used for 
common and secular purposes, but for the great purpo- 
ses of religion. When you shall meet in this house on 
the Lord's day, to offer religious worship, we pray, you 
may have reason to exclaim, as did the patriarch Jacob, 
on another occasion, — "This is none other but the house 
of God, and this is the gate of heaven." 

The text which we have chosen, and the occasion on 
which we have this day assembled, suggest to us reflec- 
tions and observations, relating to the public exercises 
of religion, worthy of our serious attention. 

Besides an observance of the special ordinances of the 
gospel, the principal exercises in which we engage, when 
assembled for worship on the Lord's day, are prayer and 
praise; and attention to the instructions and exhorta- 
tions which are administered from the word of God. 

The portion of scripture, which we have placed at the 
head of this discourse, contains a humble request that 
God would be pleased to attend unto the prayer which 
his people should make, when assembled in his holy 
temple. 

As it was the principal request of Solomon, in the 
address which he made at the dedication of the house 
which he had built for the worship of Jehovah, that HE 
wonld be pleased to attend unto the prayer which his 



9 

people should make, under the various circumstances 
and conditions of life, we may conclude, prayer is* 
and ought to be, considered as the most important part 
of religious worship. 

Solomon mentioned a variety of cases in which it is 
proper to request support and assistance from the God of 
heaven, 

"If thy people Israel be put to the worst before the 
enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall 
return and confess thy name, and pray, and make sup- 
plication before thee in this house, then hear thou from 
heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring 
them again unto the land which thou gavest to them, and 
to their fathers. When the heaven is shut up, and there 
is no rain, because they have sinned against thee, yet if 
they pray towards this place, and confess thy name, and 
turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them ; then 
hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, 
and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the 
good way wherein they should walk, and send rain upon 
the land which thou hast given unto this people for an 
inheritance." 

"If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, 
if there be blasting, or mildew* locusts, or caterpillars ; 
if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land ; 
whatsoever sore, or whatsoever sickness there be, then, 
what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made, 
of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one 
shall know his own sqre, and his own grief, and shall 



io 

spread forth his hands in this house, then hear thou from 
heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render, unto 
every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou 
knowest, for thou only kno west the hearts of the children 
of men, that they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so 
long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our 
fathers. 5 ' 

It is sufficiently evident, that prayer was the first and 
most important part of worship, under the Jewish dis- 
pensation. The observation will be equally correct as 
applied to the worship which is offered in the Christian 
church. 

After the rites and ceremonies of the Hebrew church 
were done away, and the Christian religion was institu- 
ted, its offices, at first, were remarkably plain and simple. 
That form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, is 
not only short, but remarkable for its simplicity. From 
the history of the Christian religion which we have in 
the New Testament, we find that the disciples, and the 
early converts, made prayer a part of worship whenever 
they met for the social exercises of religion. This we 
learn also from the best heathen testimony. A short 
extract from a letter written by the younger Pliny, 
to the Emperour Trajan, not more than forty years 
after the death of the apostle Paul, may not be unaccep- 
table. — "The whole of their guilt or their error, was. 
that they met on a certain stated day, before it was light, 
and addressed themselves, in a form of prayer to Christ, 
as to some God ; binding themselves by a solemn oath, 



11 

not for the purpose of any wicked design, but never to 
commit any fraud, theft, or adultery ; never to falsify 
their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called 
upon to deliver it up : after which it was their custom 
to separate, and then re-assemble, to eat in common a 
harmless meal."* 

This official letter from a Roman of high respectabil- 
ity, is brought before you, not only to corroborate the 
observation we made, that prayer is the first and most 
important part of worship under the Christian dispensa- 
tion, as well as the Jewish ; but, as a noble testimony, 
even from an heathen, in favour of the doctrines and 
practice of the primitive Christians. 

Jesus was frequently engaged in prayer, and he taught 
his disciples to pray. After he should have ascended to 
heaven, he taught his disciples to make their prayers to 
the Father in his name. As our dependence on God is 
constant, and our wants unceasing, we are exhorted to 
pray always. The Christian temper, and the Christian 
character must be supported and kept alive by prayer. 

People therefore have erroneous opinions, with res- 
pect to religious worship, or they are influenced by a 
false taste, when they think and speak more highly of 
sermons, than of prayers. And is not this, my breth- 
ren, an evil, and a growing evil in the land in which we 
live ? Many, it is feared, who attend on the publick wor- 
ship of God, are too fastidious. From their conversation 
we should suppose, the principal object of their coming 

* Melmoth's Pliny, vol. II. p. 673. 



to the place of worship, was, not to seek the favour of 
God, and offer to him devout acknowledgments for his 
unmerited blessings ; but to be gratified with the lan-, 
guage, the manner, and the ingenuity of the preacher. 
Such people surely mistake the true object of religion. 
The design for which they go to the place of worship, 
is not to honour God, but to please themselves. 

Another important exercise in which we engage, when 
we assemble in the house of God, is the offering of 
praise. This part of religious w r orship was conducted 
with great solemnity, and it was carried to a high degree 
of perfection, particularly in the days of David and Sol- 
omon. This has also been an important part of worship 
in the Christian church. When the first Christians met 
together on the Lord's day, and at other times for social 
worship, they united in prayer and in singing praises to 
God. In this delightful exercise you will engage, when- 
ever you assemble in this house, to worship the God of 
heaven, 

For many years, we trust that you, and your children, 
and your children's children will enter "these gates with 
thanksgiving, and these courts with praise." "Be ye 
thankful unto the Lord, and bless his holy name." 

Besides offering your prayers and your praises to the 
God of heaven, when you assemble in this house, you 
will meekly attend to the instructions and exhortations 
which shall be ministered to you, from the word of God- 
But when we request you to attend meekly to the in- 
structions and exhortations which shall be ministered to 



13 



you from the word of God, we claim no "dominion"over 
your faith we desire however "to be helpers of your 
joy." 

We trust, that in this house, the unadulterated gos- 
pel of Christ will be preached continually. We hope 
the man, whom you may invite to minister to you in holy 
things, will not come "in the words which man's wis- 
dom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth." 

You may, and no doubt you will be censured, if you 
do not adopt and use the creeds and formularies which 
have been long used, and which your fellow Christians 
have generally adopted and used. You may be condemn- 
ed as hereticks, and be refused the privilege of Christian 
fellowship, because you do not use the same language, 
in explaining certain passages in the New Testament, 
which has been generally used ; and do not subscribe 
all the articles of faith, which your fellow Christians have 
generally subscribed. But should you be thus treated 
by any of yo,ur Christian brethren, we hope, that "out of 
a good conversation, with meekness of wisdom," you 
will convince them, that you are governed by that spirit 
which proceedeth from the Father. 

You profess the religion of Christ. You believe in 
him, as the Son of God, — -the constituted Mediator,— 
the Saviour, — ^the Lord and Judge of the world. You 
believe all things that are written in the prophets con- 
cerning the Messiah ; and you believe that our Jesus is 
that Messiah. You believe the testimony which God 
hath given concerning his beloved Son, You believe 



14 

that Christ died on the cross, and that God raised him 
from the dead. By the mediation of this wonderful per- 
son, you hope to be saved ; and, if you fail of salvation, 
you believe that the failure will be wholly owing to your 
own folly and guilt. 

With such faith as has now been mentioned, provided 
it work by love, and it purify your heart and life, you 
need not tremble at the charge of heresy* Should a 
charge of that kind be brought against you, you may re- 
ply, in the words which St. Paul used, when a charge of 
the same kind was brought against him : — " After the way 
which ye call heresy, so worship we the God of our fath- 
ers, believing all things which are written in the law and 
the prophets ; and have hope towards God, that there 
shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just, and* 
of the unjust." 

At that solemn day, when Christ shall appear in his 
glory, the darkness which now hangs over our minds 
will pass away. At present we "know but in part 
we can "prophesy only in part. 5 ' In this imperfect state, 
the disciple of Christ will not be assuming ; he will not 
be hasty to judge a brother, or to "set at naught a brother 
for whom Christ died." 

It is certainly our duty to contend, and to contend 
earnestly, for the faith which was delivered to the saints, 
whenever the grounds of that faith are called in question, 
and attempts are made to take from us our hope of eter- 
nal life. But it is one thing to contend for the faith 
which was delivered to the saints, by men who were 



15 



favoured with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God ; 
and another thing to contend for the traditions of certain 
fathers, who lived hundreds of years after the apostles ; 
and for the opinions of men in more modern ages, who, 
perhaps, had no better means or opportunities of coming 
to the knowledge of the truth, than are possessed at the 
age of the world in which we live. 

That the Christian religion has been corrupted, and 
that its sacred institutions have been shamefully perverted, 
no one will deny : the melancholy truth is laid before 
us in the history of the church. And after corruptions 
have been transmitted from age to age, and have been 
artfully blended with sacred truths, it has been found 
extremely difficult to separate the good from the evil ; and 
what added most of all to this difficulty, has been, the 
strong partiality which people have for errors. What 
our Lord said to the Jews, may be applied to men under 
the influence of error and prejudice in all ages ; "Light 
is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather 
than light." 

We know how those men were abused and persecu- 
ted, who first exposed the errors of the Romish church* 
The attachment which the members of that church had 
to the grossest corruptions, were as strong as their at- 
tachments to the most important truths ; and many were 
put to death for attempting to remove those corruptions, 
and reduce the doctrines and discipline of the church, to 
tike standard of the holy scriptures. 



16 



We have great reason to be thankful, that at the 
present age, and in the part of the world where we live, 
attempts may be made to expose the errors* and to 
remove the corruptions which still adhere to the doctrines 
of religion, without fear from busy informers, or a cruel 
inquisition. 

I have thought, the most safe, and the most effectual 
method which the true friends of the Christian religion 
can adopt, at this age of the world, to remove the cor- 
ruptions in doctrine and discipline, which still remain, 
will be for men, who wish to see the Christian religion in 
its original simplicity and purity, to combine together, 
and agree to lay aside all party names, and the names of 
men, whose learning and talents have given them an im- 
posing influence in the church ; and resolve to take 
Jesus Christ alone for their master, the sacred scriptures 
for their rule of faith, and the New Testament for their 
directory : and call themselves no longer after the lead- 
ers of the several sects and denominations which have 
flourished in various countries and ages of the world, 
but call themselves Christians. 

Would men, who wish to see religion as it once was, 
do this, or something like this, and cultivate love one 
towards another, I am confident all good people would 
soon find, they were able to agree in every thing neces- 
sary to a friendly communion with each other. 

Systems of religion, as well as of civil government, we 
know, have been exceedingly changed and corrupted by 
introducing opinions and usages, inconsistent with the 



17 



Spirit, and even with the letter of original constitutions* 
To stop the progress of such changes and corruptions, 
when they became great and dangerous, the friends of 
the best interests of mankind have taken measures to 
warn the people of the growing mischief; and have 
used their best endeavours, to bring such corrupted sys- 
tems back to their first principles. 

To such reformers, we are greatly indebted for the 
principles of civil and of Christian liberty which they 
taught, and in the defence of which, many of them lost 
their lives. 

The contentions which have taken place about some 
of the doctrines of religion, and the efforts of proud eccle- 
siasticks, to establish uniformity of faith, and of disci- 
pline, have given existence to some of the greatest ca- 
lamities which have fallen on the inhabitants of the earth* 
Happy for the people who live under the government of 
the United States, no spiritual tribunal can unsheath or 
direct the sword of the persecutor. We may indeed be 
persecuted with the tongues, and with the pens of over 
zealous Christians ; but they ean proceed no further* — 
We enjoy liberty of conscience ; we may search the 
scriptures for ourselves ; we may worship according to 
our best judgment and opinion ; and no tribunal on 
earth may summon us to appear, or in any way make 
us afraid. God grant we may never be brought under 
bondage to any men, or any combinations of men what- 
ever. 

You who have associated for the worship of God in 
3 



this house, will permit me to congratulate you on the 
prospect which presents itself to your view. 

The unpleasant things which have been experienced 
among you, you will endeavour to forget. Having sep- 
arated from your former associates, by mutual consent, 
you will now cultivate a spirit of love, and by "your 
brotherly kindness and charity," you will evince, that 
neither the things which have happened, nor any shades of 
difference, as to religious opinions, can prevent that good 
fellowship which neighbours and Christians are bound 
to exercise towards each other. The time is not yet 
come, when all who profess the same religion, and who 
have the same hope of eternal life, are able to see "eye 
to eye.'* We know but in part. The field of our 
mental vision is limitedc Our knowledge of those 
things which are the most important, and with which we 
may think we are the best acquainted, is very imperfect. 
We ought therefore to be humble ; and if we think of 
ourselves soberly as we ought to think, we shall exer- 
cise candour and tenderness towards such of our fellow 
Christians as differ from us. 

Here, my brethren and friends, — in this house, you 
inay enjoy the means of religious knowledge and im- 
provement, and you may worship God in quietness. 
While you claim, and enjoy, the rights of an independent 
society of Christians, you will watch over one another ; 
?>nd by your good conversation, endeavour to convince 
such as may observe you, that, " although you be free 
from all men/' you are indeed " the servants of Christ,' ■ 



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